The Real Pearl of Great Price

This was my third trip to Bánica and I was hoping that it would be just as fulfilling. There is always that fear that I build this up to much in my imagination. This year’s trip again, exceeded my expectations.

This year we had a group of 6 which turned into a very intimate setting where we got to know each other at a much deeper level. Sharing our history, hopes and fears I feel a very close bond to each person.

Spending a week with people you really don’t know that well can be a challenge. However, everyone worked incredibly hard and was selfless at all times. At the end of the week I was inspired by the others which is a testament to what we were doing, why we were doing it and how it was to be done.

CBC and Michelle Haworth, in particular, have a recipe for prayer and works that everyone should experience.

While we did help put cement floors in a couple of homes to the great gratitude of the owners and work on a church, the most amazing element is the connection to the people.

Sitting with the deaf and mute boy for mass with his ear to ear smile that I was there with him; the two girls who took my hands to lead me through town for the St Anthony procession; the ladies who at the sign of peace embraced and kissed me with more passion than all but my wife; the peoples' incredible intimacy with each other and us missionaries, with a passion that could only come from the Holy Spirit.

The CBC mission trips are about prayer, love and connection. The good works are only a part of it. When you strip away the all data, video, audio and over scheduled lives, a new and deep connection can form with Christ and our fellow man. My interest in the people I shared my time with and our shared love of Christ is the real pearl of great price to me.

by Andy, CBC Missionary to Bánica, June 2019 

Previous
Previous

Little Acts of Kindness

Next
Next

Poverty Can Break Your Heart